Lipids: What Are they?

The Function of Lipids

Lipids, or fats, are a macronutrient found inside our bodies. It has a variety of functions, but the most well-known is storing energy. This is important as our body uses this stored energy whenever it runs out of quick access energy, or carbohydrates. If the body runs out of both carbs and fats, then it won’t have any energy to perform any cellular processes. Another important function of lipids is that they help build certain structures in the body, such as the cell wall of cells. Without any lipids, the cells wouldn’t have any cell walls. Both of these purposes of fats are reasons why they should be consumed on a day-to-day basis.

What Are the Different Types of Lipids?

There are a variety of different lipids, but the main ones seen on most food packages are saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and trans fats. 

Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature and can be found in food like meat, butter, cheese, and milk. However, saturated fats can raise bad LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, resulting in potential blood clots and heart disease. The American Heart Association advises that 5%-6% of a person’s calories should be saturated fats.

Contrary to saturated fats, unsaturated fats can lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and lower the possibility of heart disease and blood clots.There are two different types of unsaturated fats, monounsaturated fats (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA). MUFAs are usually liquid at room temperature and can be found in food like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. PUFAs are usually also liquid and room temperature and can be found in food like vegetable oils, fatty fish, and nuts. The American Heart Association recommends that MUFAs should comprise 15% of a person’s daily calories, and that PUFAs should comprise about 5%-15% of a person’s daily calories. This adds up to about 20%-35% of unsaturated fats eaten in a day. It is also recommended that saturated fats should be replaced by unsaturated fats whenever it is possible.

Trans fats are the unhealthiest type of fats. They raise the bad LDL cholesterol levels and lower the good HDL cholesterol levels. Trans fats are often found in highly processed and baked goods. These should be avoided at all times and are not recommended to be consumed at all.

Although people tend to generalize fats and often consider them unhealthy as a whole, they are essential to maintaining healthy cholesterol and energy levels.

Written by: Kevin